Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 Course Overview

Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 Course Overview

The Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 course provides in-depth training on the Snort open-source network intrusion detection system (IDS) and intrusion prevention system (IPS). This course is designed to teach professionals how to properly implement and manage Snort to protect their networks from malicious attacks.

Learners will be introduced to Snort technology and its evolution, enabling them to distinguish between IDS and IPS functionalities and understand their deployment in securing networks. The curriculum covers topics from Snort installation and configuration to Rule management and Traffic analysis.

Participants will gain practical experience with Snort operation, learning how to capture and analyze packets, configure sensors, manage traffic flow, and use OpenAppID for application detection. The course also delves into Lua scripting for Snort customization and provides lab exercises for hands-on practice.

Completing the SSFSNORT v3.0 course will equip learners with the skills to effectively utilize Snort in real-world scenarios, enhancing their network security posture and their ability to respond to and mitigate cyber threats.

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Course Prerequisites

To ensure a successful training experience in the Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 course, students should possess the following minimum prerequisites:


  • Basic understanding of networking concepts, including OSI and TCP/IP models, networking protocols (such as TCP, UDP, ICMP), and common network infrastructure components.
  • Familiarity with the Linux operating system, including command-line interface usage and basic file operations.
  • Knowledge of network security concepts, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
  • Experience with or exposure to the concepts of network monitoring and traffic analysis.
  • A foundational grasp of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, as well as common attack vectors.
  • Willingness to learn and engage with hands-on lab exercises that will involve configuring and operating Snort in various scenarios.

Having these prerequisites will help ensure that students can effectively engage with the course material and gain the maximum benefit from the training.


Target Audience for Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0

Securing Cisco Networks with Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 is a course designed for professionals involved in network security and intrusion detection.


  • Network Security Engineers
  • Intrusion Detection Analysts
  • Security Administrators
  • Systems Engineers
  • IT Security Consultants
  • Network and Security Architects
  • Cybersecurity Analysts
  • Incident Response Team Members
  • Infrastructure Protection Personnel
  • Network Administrators with a focus on security
  • IT Professionals seeking Snort certification
  • Technical Support Engineers for network security products
  • Military and Government Security Personnel
  • Compliance Analysts focused on network security standards


Learning Objectives - What you will Learn in this Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0?

  1. Introduction: The Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 course equips learners with the skills to deploy and manage Snort, an open-source intrusion detection and prevention system.

  2. Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

  • Understand the history and evolution of Snort as a leading intrusion detection and prevention system.
  • Distinguish between Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and their deployment scenarios.
  • Gain knowledge of various attack vectors and the importance of application and service recognition for network security.
  • Learn to configure and use protocol analyzers, set up capture and display filters, and capture packets on a network, including SSL encrypted traffic.
  • Install Snort on different platforms and understand the considerations for choosing a suitable Snort platform.
  • Operate Snort 3.0, including system monitoring, defining traffic to monitor, logging intrusion attempts, and responding to intrusions.
  • Examine Snort 3.0 configuration, including key features, sensor configuration, and utilizing Lua for configuration.
  • Manage and update Snort using tools like Pulled Pork, Barnyard2, and ELK stack for enhanced data management and visualization.
  • Analyze and optimize Snort rule syntax and usage for efficient and effective intrusion detection.
  • Design and implement a distributed Snort system, understand sensor placement and requirements, and monitor network traffic at scale.

Technical Topic Explanation

Intrusion prevention system (IPS)

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a network security technology designed to detect and prevent attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system or network. Unlike firewalls, which primarily block unauthorized access based on predefined security rules, IPS goes further by analyzing network traffic to identify potential threats in real time and taking immediate actions to block them. It ensures security beyond merely monitoring, actively intervening to protect the network from attacks, malicious or unwanted behavior, enhancing overall network security. Cisco network security courses often cover IPS technology, utilizing tools like Snort for hands-on learning in network security.

Snort technology

Snort is an open-source network security technology primarily used for detecting intrusions in network systems. Working as a network intrusion detection system (NIDS), Snort monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and alerts administrators to potential threats. It uses rules that define malicious network activity to quickly identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, making it a critical tool in securing networks. Snort is versatile and widely adopted, making it beneficial for professionals interested in enhancing their skills through courses like Cisco network security course, where understanding tools like Snort is crucial.

Network intrusion detection system (IDS)

A Network Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a tool used to detect unauthorized access or attacks on a network. It monitors network traffic and looks for suspicious patterns or known threats, providing alerts when potential security violations are detected. This keeps the network safe from malicious activities. Techniques like those taught in a Cisco network security course or implemented in tools such as Snort network security, are integral to setting up an effective IDS, ensuring that network administrators can swiftly identify and mitigate security risks.

Snort installation

Snort is a powerful tool for network security, particularly in monitoring network traffic to detect and prevent intrusion. Its installation involves downloading the Snort software, configuring its settings to suit your specific network environment, and defining rules that guide how Snort analyzes and responds to potential threats. For those pursuing a Cisco network security course, understanding how to implement and configure Snort can enhance your ability to secure networks against cyber threats, integrating seamlessly with Cisco’s networking technology. Snort represents a critical component in a robust cybersecurity strategy, empowering professionals to protect network integrity actively.

Rule management

Rule management in technology context refers to the process of creating, modifying, and maintaining the rules that govern the behavior of systems. This encompasses defining policies and guidelines to automate decision-making, enforce compliance, and enhance security within software or network environments. Such rules can determine how data is processed, accessed, and secured, ensuring operations align with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Effective rule management supports system efficiency, reduces risk, and helps in achieving an optimal performance and security stance, crucial in frameworks like network security systems, including those associated with Cisco or Snort.

Traffic analysis

Traffic analysis in the context of network security involves the process of intercepting, examining, and interpreting data packets moving across a network. The goal is to identify patterns, understand network behavior, detect anomalies, and enhance security. Techniques like deep packet inspection and flow data analysis are used to monitor traffic in real-time, helping pinpoint potential threats or breaches. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of a network. Tools often utilized in traffic analysis include Snort network security, which can detect intrusions by analyzing network traffic patterns effectively.

Snort operation

Snort is an open-source network security tool used for real-time traffic analysis and packet logging. It operates as a network intrusion detection system (NIDS) and can perform packet sniffing, recording the details of each packet that flows across a network. Snort uses a set of rules to identify potential threats and can alert administrators of suspicious activities. This makes Snort a valuable component of Cisco network security courses, where learners can understand how to implement and manage Snort within diverse networking environments to enhance overall security.

OpenAppID

OpenAppID is an open source application layer network security feature, developed by Cisco, which integrates with the Snort network security platform. It enhances security by identifying and controlling applications running on a network, thus enabling organizations to manage and secure network traffic more effectively. OpenAppID can detect thousands of applications, including those encrypted and using random ports, allowing administrators to create, share, and implement application detection patterns. This contributes to enhanced visibility and control in network security architectures, supporting improved policy enforcement and threat management.

Lua scripting

Lua scripting is a lightweight, high-level programming language designed for extending software applications to meet the needs of custom functionality. It's easy to learn and widely used for tasks that require automation and configuration at runtime. Lua is particularly valuable in network security environments like those managed by Cisco network security systems and can be integrated into Snort network security for scripting custom detection rules. Its simplicity and powerful integration capabilities make it an excellent choice for developers looking to enhance applications without heavy overhead or extensive programming background.

Target Audience for Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0

Securing Cisco Networks with Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 is a course designed for professionals involved in network security and intrusion detection.


  • Network Security Engineers
  • Intrusion Detection Analysts
  • Security Administrators
  • Systems Engineers
  • IT Security Consultants
  • Network and Security Architects
  • Cybersecurity Analysts
  • Incident Response Team Members
  • Infrastructure Protection Personnel
  • Network Administrators with a focus on security
  • IT Professionals seeking Snort certification
  • Technical Support Engineers for network security products
  • Military and Government Security Personnel
  • Compliance Analysts focused on network security standards


Learning Objectives - What you will Learn in this Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0?

  1. Introduction: The Securing Cisco Networks with Open Source Snort (SSFSNORT) v3.0 course equips learners with the skills to deploy and manage Snort, an open-source intrusion detection and prevention system.

  2. Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

  • Understand the history and evolution of Snort as a leading intrusion detection and prevention system.
  • Distinguish between Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and their deployment scenarios.
  • Gain knowledge of various attack vectors and the importance of application and service recognition for network security.
  • Learn to configure and use protocol analyzers, set up capture and display filters, and capture packets on a network, including SSL encrypted traffic.
  • Install Snort on different platforms and understand the considerations for choosing a suitable Snort platform.
  • Operate Snort 3.0, including system monitoring, defining traffic to monitor, logging intrusion attempts, and responding to intrusions.
  • Examine Snort 3.0 configuration, including key features, sensor configuration, and utilizing Lua for configuration.
  • Manage and update Snort using tools like Pulled Pork, Barnyard2, and ELK stack for enhanced data management and visualization.
  • Analyze and optimize Snort rule syntax and usage for efficient and effective intrusion detection.
  • Design and implement a distributed Snort system, understand sensor placement and requirements, and monitor network traffic at scale.